A Southern California wildfire forced thousands in Los Angeles and Ventura counties to evacuate and a local emergency proclamation was issued after it ignited and exploded in size during a searing heat wave on Thursday.

The big picture: The Canyon Fire near Lake Piru, a reservoir some 60 miles northwest of downtown LA, was first reported just before 1:30pm local time to be around 30 acres, per Cal Fire. It had grown to more than 1,000 acres in a few hours and was still burning out of control into the evening.

⚠️🔥Canyon Fire 8/7 P.M. UPDATE🔥⚠️ Estimated acreage: 1,500 Containment: 0% For the most up to date emergency...

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